Horse racing predictions: Wincanton, Newcastle and Southwell – Thursday March 9

Five UK and Irish race meetings are scheduled for Thursday, though the continuing cold snap means there is some uncertainty about whether they all get the go-ahead.

National Hunt racing is from Wincanton (1.30-5.00), Carlisle (1.40-5.08; inspection) and Thurles (1.55-5.25), while there are all-weather cards at Southwell (1.15-4.40; inspection) and Newcastle (4.45-7.45).

Thursday’s nap lost a Wincanton race in the stewards’ room at the start of this month and is back at the Somerset layout looking for some quick compensation.

Horse racing predictions today – Wincanton, Newcastle and Southwell

Enda McElhinney’s picks for Thursday are below. Scroll down to read the expert analysis behind them. 

Odds correct at time of publishing and may be subject to change.

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Horse racing predictions: Wincanton, 4.25

Nigel Twiston-Davies will be hoping that the Newt In Somerset Handicap Hurdle provides some quick compensation for NOBLE SAVAGE.

The eight-year-old got the better of Just Go For It in a 2m 5½f contest here on the first day of the month, the pair engaging in a real set-to up the home straight.

A nose separated them at the line, and the stewards decreed that Noble Savage had hung left and cost the runner-up the race, ensuring he was duly demoted to the silver medal position.

That was bad luck, as he did hamper his rival, but on the plus side he can return here eight days on and race from an unchanged mark in his quest to win. He is due to go up 3lb in the ratings after this run, and his Naunton handler will be hopeful that he can once more pass the post in front – and this time keep the prize.

This is a lesser grade than the previous outing, and a repeat effort in the hands of Jordan Nailor should be good enough to belatedly notch his first win over hurdles.

Selection: Noble Savage @ SP with Sky Bet

Horse racing predictions: Newcastle, 6.15

Quick Change was a winner at Haydock on her most recent start, but that was back in June, and it has got to be something of a worry that she has not been seen since. She did beat a smart rival that afternoon and has potential from this mark, but she may need this run.

ROUDEMENTAL is preferred for Hugo Palmer and the resurgent Oisin Murphy.

The Footstepsinthesand gelding has made the frame five times in six all-weather appearances, including a win here over a mile in November.

He was just denied by the reopposing Ron O when they clashed over course and distance in January and now finds himself 5lb better off with that opponent.

With Murphy taking over in the saddle, Roudemental can avenge that defeat and collect some reward for his consistency in this sphere.

Selection: Roudemental @ SP with Sky Bet

Horse racing predictions: Southwell, 3.35

In this mile handicap on the Nottinghamshire Tapeta, Mick Appleby’s Win Win Power and Chris Fairhurst’s Velma are players, but looking at the odds the value play is perhaps going to be NON MOLLARE for Daragh Bourke.

The mare has just five all-weather runs behind her and got off the mark over a mile here in February, travelling well and getting through some gaps to come and land the spoils in the dying embers.

She has since gone agonisingly close over 7f at Lingfield, just failing to peg back the winner in a Classified event.

Non Mollare is back in handicap company now, and the return to a mile should be ideal, with Jason Hart – on board for the win here last month – back in the saddle.

Selection: Non Mollare @ SP with Sky Bet

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